Ocean freight carriers are sending mixed messages over a potential return to the Suez Canal, as the Gemini Cooperation confirms another of its services will resume transits via the shorter route.

Gemini announced this week that its ME11 service, connecting India with the Mediterranean, will operate via the Suez Canal from mid-February. However, the service will sail with US Naval protection, reflecting the continued security risks in the region.

This decision came as somewhat of a surprise following CMA CGM’s abrupt reversal last week, when the French carrier cancelled planned Red Sea routings citing renewed security concerns.

Following a brief period of relative calm after the Gaza ceasefire, Houthi rebels released a video last month showing a ship ablaze, accompanied by the warning message “soon”. The incident coincided with rising friction between the US and Iran and prompted CMA CGM’s change of heart, having previously been routing eastbound legs of some services through the region.

CMA CGM had been the first major carrier to test the waters, with the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin transiting the region in early November. Gemini, however, became the first alliance to formally announce the return of a full service loop last month.

The broader picture remains very much unclear. There are seemingly no Asia–European services operating through Suez currently, and it may take weeks, or even months, before a widespread return appears on the horizon, and that remains highly dependent on the absence of further Houthi attacks.

Naturally, Westbound will continue to monitor developments closely.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.